Their releases up through '81, or so, are fantastic.And fans of Dream Theater and any/all prog metal owe it to themselves to check this band out. It's shocking how heavy and intricate much of their classic work was. (And dont be fooled by the Greatest Hits they released in the early-mid 80s. It was laden with their radio hits and weighed down by some of their awful 80s output.)

27 Dec 2012, 16:48

Jim McCormick

Metal Guru

Joined: 04 Feb 2005, 12:12Posts: 8046Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Re: Jimmy Jammers Jam Joint: Album of the Day

I'm very happy to say, I've uploaded my first full album on Youtube! All the previous albums, are ones I have in my collection, but were already posted. I was really limited in what I could find on Youtube for many, many, of the great albums I have, & want to share with you! Though it takes time to do this, I'm very excited!

_________________"Energy has always been the drug for me" - Pat Travers, "Life in London"

01 Jan 2013, 10:00

Jim McCormick

Metal Guru

Joined: 04 Feb 2005, 12:12Posts: 8046Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Re: Jimmy Jammers Jam Joint: Album of the Day

5 Stars out of 5 = Masterpiece

Craig Erickson's debut, "Roadhouse Stomp," is most likely the best heavy blues/rock album released in 1992, or at the least, the best heavy blues/rock album released in 1992, that most people never heard of. Hailing from Cedar Rapids, IA, Craig is an all commanding guitar players guitarist. He is remarkably accomplished in rock, blues, funk, & jazz. His father, being a well known jazz guitarist in the 50's on the East Coast, has been a big influence in his life, along with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Tommy Bolin, Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, & Eric Johnson.

When I wrote earlier, that this is "the best heavy blues/rock album released in 1992," that is a little misleading, for this album is a kaleidoscope of genres, blending their exotic colors into an awe inspiring show of brilliant light, that one can not only hear, but see through their ears! You have on this album, the SRV Texas roadhouse blues of "Heartbreak Train" & "Catch That Plane." "Midnight Highway," which would of fit perfectly on ZZ Top's, "Tres Hombres" or "Fandango" albums. The butt shaking funk/rock of "Overtime." The heavy, yet wonderfully melodic, "The Storm," "River Song," "Starry Sea," & "Tell Me The Truth." The magnificent full throttle guitar speed of "Tearin' It Up," kind of like Van Halen if they went a more bluesy route with accomplished knowledge of jazz licks. The profoundly elegant, "The Loneliest Hour," & last but not least, the catchy riffing of "Blues Avenue." Through all these songs, Erickson's remarkable muscular, yet at a flick of a pick, subtle & soulful soloing, is so tasteful, that one could grow fat on his sweet tone, momentous sustain, & delicious phrasing! His voice, deeply emotive, is a perfect match for these songs. Yes, this is a most remarkable debut!

Do your self a favor, if you even have a small interest in what I just wrote, & pick up this wonderful treasure box of sonic bliss as soon as you can. For now it is a rare & collectable album, of a sadly overlooked genius, that will become even more elusively collectable over time!

_________________"Energy has always been the drug for me" - Pat Travers, "Life in London"

03 Jan 2013, 11:48

RyanJD

Metal Guru

Joined: 09 Oct 2010, 13:56Posts: 2966

Re: Jimmy Jammers Jam Joint: Album of the Day

Jim McCormick wrote:

I was disappointed in this album the first time I heard it, & didn't pick it up until several years back. It seemed like an eternity that I waited for Boston's second album, & I was mad I had to wait so long after the first, just to be let down.

In retrospect, this is a very good album, not the masterpiece the first was, but how many albums are Funny title though, "Don't Look Back," for if anything this band looked back far to long at their first in making this album. What resulted was the same formula, but knocked down from 100 proof to just 75. Still, this is a good album!

If someone can let me know, when you click on this link, can you hear this album? Youtube said the video was banned worldwide, due to copyright infringement. I can still see & hear the album myself, but don't know if you can?

_________________"Energy has always been the drug for me" - Pat Travers, "Life in London"